Refuge

Dedication: One of my teachers once asked us in class a question. What does Refuge mean? People said it's a place. Could be a home or a trailer. Most people need it though. Until the guy next to me raised his hand and he said the clearest answer I could ever think of. Simple. It's a safe place for anyone. Where you don't have to be afraid. So here is to everyone's refuge. I hope you find it someday.

We are judged by the tracks we leave behind. Not greatly but enough so where people can tell us what they expect. Some girls will do anything for a man's attention. Some girls could care less. Those tracks can tell us. You will be judged no doubt. Some girls could care less. Judge me but you will see me rear and fight you till the end. You won't be the one to tell me what to be or what to do. I will.
It was still cold outside as I pulled myself to get out of the bed. Normal school day normal everything. I picked out some jeans with a cute peach colored top. I brushed my blonde hair out as it flowed into the right motion. I pulled on my favorite pair of flats and walked out the door. My boyfriend, Zach picked me up in his beaten up old chevy truck. My mother smiled with a cup of coffee in her hand as I kissed her cheek and ran out the door.
"You look great. As always." Zach said as I giggled and he opened the passenger door for me.
"Thank you Zachary." I said as he groaned.
"Please don't call me that." He said as I laughed and hopped into the truck. We drove to school with the normal chatter. As we arrived we were debating what disney movie was the best.
"Come on who doesn't love The Lion King? It's a classic!" He said.
"It's a classic bore! Finding Nemo is where it is pal. Stick with me we'll go places." I said as he laughed and locked his truck as I hopped out. The day went by slowly but that wasn't a shock. My first period was English which I was really good at. Then I had Science which I was very bad at. Then P.E which I always tripped and fell on my face in front of all my friends. Then as the day dragged on lunch finally came around. On my way to lunch I saw a man dressed in black walk into school without going to the office. Strange.
When I got to the cafeteria after just grabbing some fries and yogurt I spotted Zach and smiled.
"Hey Zach!" I waved as he smiled and ran over to me wrapping his arm around my waist and quickly pecking me on the lips.
"Hey babe how is school going so far?" He asked as I smiled.
"Amazing. I am so glad we have next period together." I said as he laughed.
"Yea because Geography without you is a total snore." He added. We found a seat next to my best friend Ally and her boy friend Josh. Then Jake finally made his way over to us sitting next to me.
"Hey Jake!" I said as he smiled.
"Whats up Skylar." Jake said.
"Not much. Just the classic bore of a day." I said.
"Sounds amazing. Wait Zach did you get your test score back on that Science test?" He asked.
"Yea dude I aced it. Got a 95!" Zach answered.
"How do you do it? I studied all night and just got a 83!" Jake said.
"Pure skill man pure skill." Zach answered stealing one of my fries.
"Hey!" I squealed in protest as he smiled.
The rest of the was just the same. I had Geography and I got a test back which I aced. I had enough credits to graduate, but I just wanted to stay with my friends. I had met Zach when I was a freshmen. I went to my first party that had alcohol. I wasn't that stupid to drink and neither was Zach. Me and him hung out the rest of the night then he finally just asked me on a date. He took me to the movies which turned out to be a complete disaster. It was also the most fun I had in a long time. We have been dating ever since.
Then as me and Zach got done with our after school studying and the night came closer he drove me back to my house. There was a bridge on the way home. I guess it got a little to cold and it iced up. It also didn't help that another car swerved into our lane and hit us head on. We swerved off the road and we hit the edge of the water. Zach was killed instantly. The next morning I woke up in the hospital.
"Where's Zach?" I asked
"Oh sweetie.. He didn't make it." My mom said. I cried for a long time after that..
When someone you love dearly dies they say a part of you dies with them. They don't say how much it hurts though. They never say how much it hurts. I was walking around numbly for days, then those days turned to months. Those months turned into a year.
"You can't keep doing this to us Skylar" My parents argued."She won't even eat anymore." My dad argued with my mother late one night.
"She is still getting out of this what she went through was horrible Richard." My mother said as my dad shook his head.
"I heard about this girl who went to a horse camp for people who had gone through something tragic. She came back changed." He said as my mother whacked him.
"It has only been a year Richard!" She said as he sighed.
"I just want my little girl back." He said as she sighed and he pulled her into a hug.
"I know I do to..." She agreed.
They made me go to this place. It was called, ' Heartlake Rescue and Rehabilitation for Children and Horses.'
I almost snorted a laugh as we drove up. I was a crazy kid going to a crazy horse place. I didn't even like horses! Heartlake was in for a real ride.
"Hi! I am guessing you are Mr and Mrs Anderson!" A nice lady greeted us as my parents smiled.
"Yes ma'a! Where should we park?" They asked as she pointed them in the direction.
"This is stupid." I mumbled to my self as my parents grabbed my bag and I stuffed my headphone's into my satchel and got out of the car. I looked around and took a big whiff.
"Eww it smells like cow manure!" I said plugging my nose. I saw a boy about my age who was leading a horse in laugh at me as I shot him a glare and he tipped his cowboy hat and kept walking.
"We have to go but Skylar please please please try." My mom said as I nodded hugging her and grabbing my suitcase.
"Hi i'm Zia! I am guessing your Skylar?" A black girl with puffy hair came up to me and I nodded.
"Cool! Your my roommate! Welcome to Heartlake! Let me show you around." She said
"Sounds great." I said wondering why she was here if she was so peppy.
"That right there is my horse, her name is Star! She is a buckskin." She said pointing over to a tan horse as I nodded. I had no idea what she was even talking about.
"Cool." I added as she moved on. There was a girl who was stroking a white horse.
"Thats Maggie she is Mrs Fullers daughter. She practically runs the place." She giggled as Maggie came over and shook my hand.
"It's nice to meet you Skylar, and if you need anything just call." She said as I nodded.
"Okay." I replied as Zia pulled me in another direction. When was this going to end?
"Here is Alex! Alex meet Skylar she is the new girl! I'm showing her around." Zia said to a boy who was about my height with brown hair."Hey welcome! Your gonna love it here!" He said as I nodded and faked a smile.
"Yea slim chance." I said under my breath.
"Well it was nice seeing you Alex but, I really have to get to my room.." I said trying to leave.
"Wait one last thing then we can meet everyone else at dinner." She said as I nodded and she pulled me to a stall that was covered.
"This is well umm he really doesn't have a name yet. I was talking to Mrs. Fuller and she said if you want you can tame him." She said pulling back the cover to reveal a black horse. He snorted and reared as I saw a boy knock down the tarp as I jumped back.
"Zia! Mrs. Fuller told you not to go around him anymore! Let him settle in." He said as Zia sunk her head under.
"I'm sorry Archer..." She said as he sighed.
"Don't do it again ok Zia?" He declared.
"Ok." She said.
"You must be Skylar, Hi i'm Archer I take care of all of the horses around here." He said putting his hand out as I looked at it.
"Yea cool where is the girls rooms?" I asked as he scoffed and shook his head.
"Over there in that building. Your in room 4 I believe." He said as I nodded a thanks and started walking toward the house.
"Wait up Skylar!" I heard Zia behind me say as I mentally groaned and she caught up to me.
"Sorry about that Archer can get a little umm strict sometimes he means no harm though I promise!" She said as I nodded and moved faster toward the house. She opened the door for me as I found room 4.
"I'll uh leave you to unpack." She said as I nodded.
I looked around the room as the door behind me shut with Zia with it. I sighed and looked at my bed which was pretty big. I stuck my bag on the bed and started to unpack. I sighed and brushed through my thick sun bleached brown hair. I sprawled out onto the bed. I wanted to get out of this prison.
"Hey Skylar. Welcome here I haven't got to introduce my self. I am Jenna Fuller. The owner of this place. I have two daughters. Maggie who you have already met, and Joyce." Mrs. Fuller said smiling as I nodded.
"Hi." I said sheepishly.
"Dinner's in a few." She said almost leaving.
"Oh that's alright Mrs. Fuller i'm not hungry." I said as she stopped midway through the door.
"Oh i'm sorry Skylar it wasn't a option." She said walking out the door as I flopped back onto the bed. This was going to be a long long time. I walked out the door and across the field to the barn. On the way there I saw that no one was in the barn. I heard the loud whinny's of the horse as I pulled back the tarp slightly. The horse reared and snorted as I looked at him. He came up to me as I leaned my shaky hand on his head.
"Poor boy." I said as Archer came up carrying a bucket of water. He stopped and stared at me as I dropped the tarp and looked at him.
"What?" I asked as he shook his head.
"He doesn't do that to anyone ever." He said as I started walking to the mess hall.
"So what?" I said walking away as he shook his head and mumbled something I couldn't quite make out. I walked faster to the mess hall as I opened the doors and a blast of cool air hit me. Ahh air conditioning. I walked over and grabbed a sack full of lunch.
After I grabbed my lunch I made my way over to a table that was empty. Zia zipped inside and sat down next to me.
"Hey! I didn't see you come out! Your super quiet!" She said giggling as I bit into my sandwich and nodded.
"Hey new girl." Said a guy who sat down in front of me as I looked up.
"Umm hi?" I asked as he laughed.
"Rude of me i'm Dean." He said as I nodded.
"Skylar." I said biting into my sandwich again.
"Hey scoot Dean make room for me." A girl with black curly hair said as Dean laughed and scooted over and she plopped down next to him.
"Hi i'm Hayley." She said as I nodded.
"I'm Skylar." I said as she nodded.
"Ooh pretty name!" She said as I nodded a thanks again.
"So what are you here for?" Dean asked as Hayley slapped him on the arm.
"Oww." He said rubbing his arm as I tried not to laugh.
"It's ok my uh dog died from a car accident. Messed me up on the inside." I said. Dean laughed as Hayley slapped him again and looked at me.
"Oh I am so sorry." She said as I looked at her. I then looked at Zia and her eyes were saying sorry too. What the.. Did they not know a joke? I went back to eating my sandwich as the kids around me started to pile in. I only remember a few names. I saw too other tables. As I looked over I saw Archer sit down with his sack lunch. I wanted to go sit with him but I just stayed where I was. Soon later lunch was over and everyone raced outside to their horses. I sighed and walked slowly as Archer came up to me.
"I talked to Mrs. Fuller you can ride Harley." He said as I shook my head.
"Okay can you show me him?" I asked as he nodded and we headed off to the barn. We stopped half way as I almost ran into him.
"What's your deal?" He asked as I shrugged me shoulders.
"What are you talking about?" I asked
"What are you doing here? I can't seem to figure you out." He said as I shrugged.
"It's nothing..." I said as he laughed.
"It wouldn't be just nothing if you were sent here." He said as I looked at him.
I started to say something but tears just poured down my face as Archer stared at me. He sighed and pulled me into a hug.All I felt was Zach... His arm's around me as I pushed away and walked toward Zia. I quickly wiped my eyes.
"Have you been crying?" Zia asked.
"So what. Just show me the dumb horse." I sneered.
"Fine geez." She said I instantly felt bad for what I had said.
"This is Harley let me show you what to do." She said.
"Okay sounds great." I said not wanting to turn around or try and focus on what had happened. I knew he was right behind me.
"First your going to have to use a curry comb on his coat. Rub it in circle's like this." She said showing me before handing me the brush. I brushed his coat like she showed me how to. Then she showed me how to pick his feet. Then we put his saddle pad on then the saddle then the bridle. And lastly, we put on his bell boots. As we walked back outside she was leading Harley.
"I have to go tack up Belle. It will take me a second go ahead and mount up. Put you leg in the stirrup and pull yourself up. I will be back don't wander to far. And if you need anything holler. Harley is a gentle horse so nothing should happen." She said as I nodded putting my foot into the stirrup and hoisting myself up. As I was on him he snorted.
"What are you snorting at horse." I mumbled to him and nudged him into a walk. Turns our when he barely touch this horse he starts to run.
"HElP!" I screamed as I saw Archer riding a gray and white spotted horse running at me until he grabbed my reins.
"I thought Zia told you to stay put." He said as he held tightly onto my reins.
"Yea well he has a mind of his own." I said yanking the reins away from him and walking away.
I remembered riding with Zach one summer. His dad and his sisters wanted to have a family experience. My family was gone for the weekend so I went along with him. I rode on with his horse. He was a natural, loved this junk. He use to be into rodeo's. Seems fitting that I would go riding with him.
That night I was tired so I just wrapped my blanket around me.I put in my head phones and FaceTimed Jake.
"Hey." I said as he rubbed his eyes.
"Goodness Skylar it's like late." He said as I laughed.
"It's only like 8." I said.
"Late." He laughed.
"Do you like it there?" He asked.
"It just all reminds me of him.." I said as he sighed and looked at me.
"I know just. Survive." He said as I nodded.
"He just was to young Jake. I mean it was Zach! He was to young and nice to die. Jake what if it never gets better?" I asked as he looked at me.
"He loved you." He said as I smiled.
"Alright i'm going to bed. Night Jakey." I said as he laughed.
"Night S." He said as I pressed hang up and took off my headphones. I looked up at the ceiling.
"Is Jake your boyfriend?" Zia asked as I leaned up and looked at her.
"No.. Did you-," I asked
"Yea I heard everything. Your headphones weren't connected." She said as I sighed. She got out of her bed and moved over in mine.
"What happened?" She asked as I glared at her.
"It's none of your business. Your just so happy so why don't you go back to unicorn and ponies land." I said shoving her off my bed then pulling the covers over my head.
"Diva." She mumbled and pulled her covers up.
I walked up to Zach as he smiled. He pulled me into a hug. The kind a military officer would give his wife when he was gone for 2 years. I laughed and kissed him roughly.
"Where have you been cowboy." I said as he smiled.
"Eh ya know here there." He said as I laughed.
"Well it's great to have you back." I smiled.
"Watch our Skylar!!!!" Zach screamed as we were now in a car and we swerved off the road.
I stood straight up in my bed screaming. I stopped then looked at myself. I was drenched in sweat. I wrapped my knees to my chest and repeated these 3 words. It. Wasn't. Real.
I saw Zia looking at me strangely. She was already dressed and shrugged heading out the door. I pulled myself out of bed and dressed in a plaid shirt and jeans. I pulled my hair up in a pony tail. I walked out the door and headed straight to the barn. I walked up to the mystery horse as he glanced at me. I opened his stall door as he snorted nervous.
"Easy boy i'm not gonna hurt you." I said in a sweet voice. He snorted and walked toward me putting his head to my hand that was held out.
"Good boy see I ain't gonna hurt you." I said as he whinnied softly.
"I get you boy. I can see you have been through a lot. Your messed up but you still have this little light that gleams in your eyes. You want to be saved but yet you don't know how." I said as he snorted and lifted his head so his eyes meet mine. He seemed to say can you hear me?
"A promise is a debt to be paid." I whispered to him as he nodded then nudged me gently. I smiled as he looked at the stall door.
"You want out?" I asked he snorted and bobbed his head.
"Alright alright." I laughed grabbing his halter and slipped it over his muzzle and ears.
"Lets go boy." I said leading him out of his stall. As I saw him in the light I saw he had a scar running from his eye down his forehead. He had scraped knees and his barrel was almost scrubbed raw. I looked at him as he snorted. His feet were caked with mud and manure.
"Let's get you some nice warm water and soap to clean you up boy." I said leading him to the cross ties. I turned on the warm water and rinsed off his feet. He snorted as I patted him then cleaned off his feet. The mud washed off as I saw he had scars running down his hooves. I stared at them and sighed. Some people are just sick.
"You need a name don't you boy." I said.
"How about Aspen?" I said as he whinnied and I laughed.
"Your a sweet boy." I giggled and dried him off. I saw Archer's mouth drop open as I was brushing him.
"Okay your some horse whisperer." He said as I looked at him.
"Sometime's you just have to listen." I said as I nudged Aspen toward his stall. I took off his halter and patted his head.
"Bye boy." I said as he snorted and I closed the stall door. I glanced at Archer and tore off the tarp around his stall.
"Don't ever do that." I said as Archer looked at me.
"Okay horse whisperer." He said as I glared at him.
"Stop calling me that." I said.
"I don't get it." He said stopping in his tracks as I looked at him.
"What's not to get?" I asked.
"How one moment you are breaking and the next your a well functioned machine." He said as I glared at him.
"You learn to deal with pain in different ways. I don't cry a lot unless it was important. People said I killed Zach. I feel like sometime's I did." I said as he looked at me.
"You remind me of so many people mashed together." He said as I laughed.
"Okay, Archer would you please stop calling me the horse whisperer." I said as he nodded.
"Yea, but your going to have to name that horse." He said as I looked at him.
"His name is Zeus. Like the god." I said thinking of history class. I remember Zack telling me that he liked the god Zeus. I had always told him he was a dreamer. He laughed at me and struck a pose.
"Zeus is a leader and a warrior. He is strong and doesn't ever back down." I said to myself repeating what Zach had once said to me.
"What?" Asked Archer as I snapped back to reality.
"Oh uh nothing." I said walking away.
Later through the day I finally made my way to Mrs. Fuller's office. She had a office in the middle of the barn. As I knocked on the door I heard a stack of papers fall and a chair spin. I laughed a little as she came to the door.
"Hi Skylar!" Maggie said as I laughed a little.
"Is your mom around?" I asked.
"Nope she will be back soon though you ok?" She asked.
"Yea I just wanted to ask her about something." I said.
"I saw you bathing that horse. You must be really good with horses. I could barely get him in the stall without being killed." She said as I shook my head.
"He is just misunderstood. His name is Zeus." I said as she smiled.
"That is a awesome name!" She said as I smiled at her. I was going to like this girl. Just like a light switch I saw her mother come in smiling. She saw me at the door as I smiled and waved.
"Hi Mrs. Fuller." I said.
"Why hello there Skylar." She said as Maggie left the room and I stepped in. I instantly smelled coffee and I thought of Jake.
"Did you want to talk to me about something?" She asked as I snapped back to reality.
"Oh yea I wanted to ask you if I could train Zeus." I said.
"Who's Zeus?" She asked.
"Oh Zeus is the black horse that is use to be crazy." I said.
"I saw you with him earlier. Yes be careful and have Archer help you." She said as I smiled.
"Thank you!" I said running out the door as I knocked into a guy and fell down.
"Woah you ok?" He asked as I shook my head and looked up to see a guy with a black leather jacket on. He had brown hair and blue eyes. I stood back up and looked at him.
"Y-yea i'm fine." I said as he smiled.
"I'm Apollo." He said putting his hand out for me to shake.
"Skylar." I said as he smiled.
"Pretty name." He added as I smiled.
"Thanks." I said brushing the dirt off of of my jeans.
"I was wondering if you have maybe seen my brother?" He asked as I tilted my head.
"Apollo.. What are you doing here." I heard Archer say as Apollo turned around and smiled.
"Ahh younger brother. The horse lover. How have you been?" He asked as Archer dropped his bucket of feed.
"Brother?!" I asked.
"Can someone please tell me what is going on." I asked as Archer's eyes were fuming. I saw him walk toward Apollo like he was going to punch him. I stopped him by putting my hand on his chest.
"Archer don't do anything you will regret." I mumbled to him as I turned to look at Apollo.
"I think it would be best if you just go." I said as Apollo laughed at me.
"Since when do you tell me what to do." He said as I turned around to look at him. I smiled.
"Fine." I said walking to Zeus's stall. I undid his stall door and patted him.
"Go get him Zeus." I said as he snorted and ran off toward Apollo.
Apollo had never run so fast in his life I think. He ran all the way to his motorcycle starting it up fast and riding out the gate. I saw Zeus rear and snort. I laughed as he came trotting back to me.
"Good boy." I said as Archer looked at me.
"How why what..." Archer said as I laughed.
"You didn't have to do that and yet you still did why?" He asked as I glanced at him.
"Because, you remind me of someone." I said as I looked at him finally realizing it.
"Who?" He asked as I smiled. I patted Zeus as he snorted and I put on his halter and walked to the arena. I grabbed a lunge lead as I put it on Zeus. I knew a lot about horses. I just didn't like them after Zach.
I watched Zeus move like a dancer in a circle. From a trot to a lope. I smiled and encouraged him. Then I saw Archer come out with a saddle, bridle, and saddle pad. I saw the bridle had no bit and I smiled. Perfect. I thought. Zeus would not like something that has a bit in it.
"Here." He said handing me the saddle pad. I gently rubbed the saddle pad all over Zeus back to get him used to it. I put the saddle pad on his back as he snorted looking at me. I slowly climbed on his back as I smiled. He snorted and pranced slightly.
"Easy boy." I said keeping him steady making reins out of his halter.
"I have a idea." Archer said as I nodded and he grabbed Zeus's halter and pulled him gently to the racing portion of the place. It surrounded the pastures. He smiled and hopped the fence whistling. A beautiful paint mare came running up to him. He climbed on her and looked at me.
"Ready, Set, GO!" He screamed as Zeus took off running at full speed. I saw that someone had put a jump in the arena.
"Skylar watch our!" Archer screamed as I prepared to jump. Zeus's front legs lifted off the ground as we soared through the air. We landed swiftly on the other side and kept on running. He snorted stopping as I laughed and looked back at Archer.
"I had no idea you could jump." He said as I smiled getting off of Zeus. I pulled open the gate to the pasture. I saw Archer get off of the beautiful horse. She snorted and trotted over to Zeus. He nuzzled her as she bit his ear and ran off playing. He took after her as I laughed.
"Is she yours?" I asked as he nodded.
"Yea her name is Rain." He said as I nodded.
"She is gorgeous." I said as he nodded.
"You are really good with Zeus. I didn't think you could do it especially since..." He started.
"Since what? What are you trying to start Archer because you sure cannot finish it." I said glaring at him.
"I was just saying-," He started as I cut him off.
"I get it Archer! I am broken!" I screamed as he glared at me.
"I don't care that your broken." He said looking at me.
"I am a freak and that's what everyone cares about." I spat at him.
"We are all broken Sky. I want to help fix you." He said.
"Stop trying." I said as I ran leaving behind Zeus and Archer. I finally was out of breath and my lungs were burning. I slid down the wall as I heard hoof beats and Archer's voice draw near. He hopped off the horse and sighed looking at me.
"Sky." Archer said sliding down next to me. He finally just grabbed me not letting me go. I sank into him as more tears streamed down my face. I breathed in his horsey smell. I had my arms wrapped around him as he did too. I untangled my arms and stared at him.
"Sky..." He started as I stopped him. "It's easier to be alone because when your with someone it just hurts you." I said as the tears had started crumbling down my face.
"Your hurting your self while being alone." He said as he brushed a piece of hair out of my eyes.
"Sometime's it's okay." I said standing up. I wrapped my arms around myself. I walked down the stalls as I opened the door to Zeus's stall. I noticed he wasn't brushed down. I slid against the stall door hugging my knees. What had I done. What had I gotten myself into.
"Hey stranger." Dean said poking his head in the stall. I wiped away a tear as he looked at me.
"Oh Skylar..." He said opening the door and slid down next to me.
"I have had enough of boys today so please leave me alone." I said as he sighed.
"No offense, but I don't like you that way." He said as I looked at him. I sighed. I was such a brat.
"Come here Skylar." He said holding out his arms. I wrapped my arms around him.
"Don't you feel better now?" He asked as I nodded and stood up. I grabbed a brush and started to brush down Zeus. This was going to be a long time here.
As time moved on so did I. And sooner or later Dean helped me enroll in a jumping competition. Me and Zeus were ready. I braided Zeus's hair all pretty the day before.
"Hey your going to kill him with those ribbons!" Dean said as I laughed.
"Oh leave her alone! Every horse needs a little sparkle." Zia said putting a little tint of glitter that made her horses coat shine on. I laughed, me and Zia had become great friends over the time. I never talked to Archer and he never talked to me.
Every night I had a nightmare or a panic attack or both. I always called Jake and he talked me through it. The things people could do to one's heart.
"Hey Dean where is Apache going fit in the trailer?" She asked. Apache was Dean's chestnut mare.
"She isn't coming today." He said as she nodded and I went on to brushing Zeus.
"Oh come on we can ask Maggie to drive us all to the show." Zia said as Dean smiled then raced off brushing and getting Apache ready for show. I smiled as Zia shrugged and laughed running off to go find Maggie. I leaded Zeus to the trailer as he snorted and reared.
"Hey easy easy.." I said petting him as I walked in first."See it's not that scary boy." I said as he snorted and stepped into the trailer. I smiled and patted his head. I closed the trailer door so Dean and Zia could ride together. I hopped in the front seat as Zia waved from Mrs. Fuller's car as they pulled away with Dean in the front seat and Apache and Star in the trailer. I laughed as Zia tried to say something that I couldn't quite make out. I shrugged and checked my phone as I called Jake.
"Hey Jay." I said as he smiled.
"Hey Skylar." He said as I laughed.
"I am really-," I started.
"Nervous? You will do fine." He said as I saw someone unlock the truck.
"Hey I gotta run I will call you after ok?" I said.
"Yep good luck! Break a leg actually don't do that just be safe and good luck actually just-," He started as I laughed and hung up. I buckled in my seatbelt.
"Hey Maggie I was going to-," I said as I saw Archer starting up the truck.
"What in the world what are you doing?!" I asked as he looked at me.
"I am driving you to the show. Maggie had a lesson she couldn't miss." He said pulling out of the driveway.
"Fine." I said looking at the window. He looked at me then slammed on the breaks and got out of the car to my door yanking it open.
"What the! Archer!" I screamed as he grabbed my wrist and I fell out on top of him.
"Skylar why do you hate me so much?" He asked.
"Your so predictable." I said shoving him off of me. I grabbed Zeus from the trailer and led him out. I mounted and nudged him into a gallop. Then a full run to the barn. When I got there I put Zeus up.
"Why am I so stupid. This place isn't helping me at all." I mumbled to myself.
"Because your not letting it." I heard a voice say at the end of the barn. I saw Maggie holding a horse with a little girl on it.
"I'll see you next week, Lily." She said as Lily laughed and skipped off.
"Come here Skylar." She said as I walked up to her.
"You aren't even trying at all. I get it he died. I have lost so much I can't even breathe sometimes. I have found one that works. You accept it. You let all the bad dreams come. You face your fears. You live. This is your refuge." She said as I looked at her. I hugged her then walked to my room.
I pulled out the painful picture I have been hiding under my pillow. It was my favorite picture of Zach and his horse. Tears fell onto the picture as I hugged the picture. I just wanted the pain to stop. I wanted it all to just stop. I sighed and fell into a deep sleep.
"Hey Skylar." I heard a voice calling out as I shook my head and saw Zia standing over me.
"Hey how did you do?" I asked as she beamed.
"I won." She said as I smiled.
"That's awesome!" I said sitting up.
"How long was I out for?" I asked as she looked at me.
"Uh 3 days..." She said as I stared at her.
"3 d-days." I stuttered as Zia nodded.
"I gotta go." I said running out the door out to Zeus's stall. I tacked him up and led him out of the barn.
"Good boy I am sooooo sorry I was asleep for 3 days!" I said as he snorted.
"I know crazy." I mumbled to him. I heard hoofbeats as I looked behind me to see Apache riding up the hill with Dean on her back. I laughed and nudged Zeus into a lope. I was going to go through the cross country course.
I raced down the path to the cross country course. Zeus's hooves pounded against the grassy pathway. I saw Archer out of the corner of my eye letting Rain eat grass in the field. He watched me as I jumped up over a log. I praised Zeus as he headed toward the next jump. I raised up in my seat as I didn't notice that the log had water at the end of it. Zeus refused and I flipped over the log.
"Skylar!!" Archer screamed jumping over the fence that separated. I heard hoof beats behind me and tried to scoot over to the other side. I guess Dean didn't see me as he jumped over the log and Apache's hoof nicked my head and I fell into a darkness.
I walked around and glanced in each room of the barn and the barn house. I shrugged as I turned around and bumped into Zach.
"Oh my gosh..." I said as he smiled.
"Zach.." I said as he laughed and I wrapped my arms around him.
"Wait I have had this dream before.. Leave me alone you have given me enough pain." I said pulling away as he looked at me and I cradled into a little ball waiting for the car to appear.
"Come here let me show you something." He said pulling my hand as I got to my feet and slinked into his step. I watched as we were in Jake's room. The phone starting ringing as I heard Mrs. Fuller's shaky voice at the end of the line. I saw Jake crumble to the floor and start sobbing. I heard him shout at God for taking away everyone he ever cared about. I looked at Zack as he glanced at me.
"What is going on?" I asked as he sighed.
"You have a choice. You can die, or you can fight for life. Sky look at me. I want you to move on. Archer loves you and I know you can't see it but Sky. I love you too." He said with tears in his eyes. I hugged him pressing my lips roughly to his. I cried as he hugged me tightly.
"You have to let go.." He whispered to me as I sobbed all over his shirt.
"I d-don't want t-to." I sobbed as he soothed me running his fingers through my hair.
"Sky, you have to." He said as I wrapped my arms around him.
"W-why did you l-leave me." I stuttered. I haven't stuttered since I met Zach. I use to have so much anxiety attacks and stuttered a lot but when I met him I just calmed down. I have no idea what it was.
"Oh sweetie... I would always die for my love. I am glad that you were my last love because there is no beating you. I love you Sky." He said as I nodded.
"I love you too.." I said
"Promise me something okay Skylar?" He said as I nodded.
"Move on. I died, I know how much it hurts please Sky I hate to see you like this. Move on. Don't be scared. Make that jump. I found my refuge. Go find yours." He said as I nodded again and messed up his hair.
"It's time for you to go back are you ready?" He asked as I took a deep breath.
"Yes." I said taking a deep breath. He said as he kissed me and I returned back into a hospital bed.
"Skylar..." I head Archer said as I stood straight up and felt a shocking pain in my head.
I groaned and leaned back down. When my eyes met on Archer's I smiled and wrapped my arms around him. He smiled and wrapped his arms around me protectively. I sighed and breathed in his horsey smell. I glanced up from his arms and saw a movie on the table. I looked at it pulling away from Archer.
"Oh my gosh.." I said pulling my hand up to my mouth.
"Do you not like The Lion King?" He asked as I smiled and turned around to face him.
"Why of course it's a classic." I said wrapping my arms around his neck. He smiled and I laughed pressing my lips to his. He tasted warm and sweet.
"You never answered my question on who I remind you of." He said when we broke from the kiss.
"No one." I lied.
When I got out of the hospital it was all a blur. I went home. Didn't get better until I begged if I could go back. They let me. In a heartbeat. As soon as I got there I saw Archer teaching a girl to ride. On my horse. Zeus.
"Skylar!" Archer said running over to me as I laughed and he hugged me as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"I missed you too Arch." I said smiling.
"Meet Belle." He said gesturing toward the girl on Zeus.
"Hi i'm Belle Archer's girlfriend." She said glaring at Archer who rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Oh hi." I said as my fists clenched together.
"Well Belle do a trot around the arena." Archer said as she nodded and nudged him into a trot. He snorted bucking and rearing until she fell off.
"Stupid horse!" She screamed as Archer helped her up as I ran to Zeus. He snorted remembering me.
"Yea good luck with him. I was a pro horse women and that horse is not help-able-" She started as I tore off the saddle and bridle and hopped on him bare back. He snorted and remembered what I felt like as we went flying around the arena.
"Yea go Sky!" Archer said as I laughed and he opened up the gate. I ran toward a jump and leaped it gracefully.
"Good boy Zeus." I said patting his neck as he snorted and bobbed his head up and down.
"You were saying?" I asked as Zeus sneezed and it went all over her.
"Grr." She said stomping off as I hopped off of Zeus.
"OMG I am so sorry he is just a non help-able horse!" I screamed after her as Archer grabbed my arm and shook his head.
"Yea ok fine Archer I will listen to you. I always listened to you." I said jerking Zeus away.
"Your the one who didn't want anything to do with me!" He yelled after me.
I walked up to him pressing his lips firmly to mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck as his arms went to my hips. When we broke free to breathe I stared at him for a second.
"If I didn't want anything to do with you why would I do that?" I asked before jerking Zeus to the barn. He snorted not liking all this jerking.
"Sorry boy." I mumbled to him before putting him in his stall.
I sighed and petted his forelock. I checked his legs and patted his back before walking out of the stall. I ran smack into Dean who was carrying a whole bucket of water. It spilled all over him.
"Oh my gosh i'm so sorry!" I said as his eyes met mine.
"Skylar..." He said as my eyes met his and I smiled wrapping m-y arms around him into a big hug.
"Oh my gosh! It has been forever." I said as he smiled.
"Skylar I am so sorry I didn't even see you and you came out of no where." He said as I shook my head.
"It wasn't your fault don't you worry about it. I forgive you. Mistakes happen." I shrugged and smiled as he sighed a breath of relief.
"I better go get changed." He said as I nodded.
"Cya later?" I said as he nodded. I walked down into the mess hall to eat lunch as Belle and Archer were already there with Zia.
"OMG Skylar!!" She screamed as she ran up and gave me a koala hug.
"Hey Zia." I said hugging her back. I heard whispers from Belle to Archer as he laughed then his glance met mine and I nodded. The same way he did when I first came. I felt someone put a hat on my head then cover up my eyes.
"Guess who." A familiar voice said as I smiled and turned around.
"Maggie!" I screamed as she laughed and hugged me as I felt my hat on my head.
"You like it?" She asked as I laughed and nodded.
"Good cuz its yours now." She said as I smiled and took it off to examine it. It was a simple tan cowboy hat with a brown piece of leather. I glanced at it remembering what it was. It was Zeus first halter before he broke it and ran when they tried to get him into the trailer to get there. I smiled as it had Zeus etched into it. I turned over the piece of leather to see a quote.
"You never know what you have until you loose it." It said as I smiled. I smiled at Maggie who gestured me over to sit by her. She grabbed my wrist putting a leather bracelet on it. It was a bracelet that said Zeus on one side. On the other it said Zach. I smiled at her and hugged her no words were exchanged. I went to grab a sack lunch when I saw someone behind me.
"Cool hat." I heard Archer said as I nodded.
"Yea thanks." I said grabbing some water and a bag of food.
"You hate me." He said chuckling as I glared at him.
"No." I said before walking out of the cafeteria.
When we got to leave I threw my trash away and walked to the barn. I brushed Zeus down and he sniffed my wrist.
"Do you remember this boy?" I asked as he snorted and bobbed his head as I laughed."A horse never forgets." I heard a familiar voice behind me say as I turned around to see Archer as I turned back and he sighed.
"That is a nice hat." He said pointing to my hat as I nodded.
"Yea thanks you've already said that." I mumbled as I walked past him to the tack room. I tacked up Zeus as Archer grabbed my hand.
"You aren't going out there alone." He said as I glared at him.
"Yes I am. I'm no baby." I said as he closed the stall door.
"Hey!" I proclaimed as he sighed.
"Give me 10 minutes." He said running to the tack room. I sighed and walked into the mess hall and grabbed 2 waters. I also grabbed a apple for Zeus. I walked back feeding it to him.
"Ready?" I heard Archer say as I turned around and saw Rain and I smiled. I looked up to see he had his dark brown cowboy hat on.
"Yea." I said mounting up as we raced toward the hill.
"How are you so good at riding?" He asked as I looked at him.
"When me and Zach were dating for 3 years. He actually owned a farm so I always went riding. He taught me to love horses and to hate them. He taught me to respect them. He also taught me to jump." I said as he nodded.
"It's not something I use to talk about because it brought pain." I said as he looked at me.
"What do you feel now?" He asked.
"A lie." I said nudging Zeus into a trot. Rain trotted next to him nickering and rubbing the side of his head. He snorted and whinnied.
"They seem to get along great." Archer said as I nodded. I brushed the remain of my hair out of my eyes. I glared down at my t-shirt. It had a floral t-shirt and jean shorts. Not really riding clothes. I smiled seeing a log as I loped Zeus straight toward it. I didn't hold on as he flew over the log and Archer smiled and clapped. I hopped down from Zeus and tied him off. I walked over to Archer who was letting Rain wander free. I shrugged and untied Zeus as he trotted over to Rain and grazed by her.
"So." I said as he stared at me.
"I can't keep doing this Sky." He said as I glared at him.
"Fine then." I said as he spun me around. His face came close to mine.
"We are just friends." I said as he nodded.
When his lips crashed with mine I smiled then pulled away. He sighed and sat on the ground. I leaned against his shoulder.
"You never told me your story." He said.
"My boyfriend died. There isn't much to it." I said.
"What's your story?" I asked as he sighed.
"Not much to it. My mom was a alcoholic and my dad was abusive. I ran and Mrs. Fuller found me. It was around the time Mr. Fuller died and Maggie found them. Maggie was adopted. She was the who roped me when I tried to steal one of there horses. It was actually Rain.-" He said chuckling as I smiled.-" I helped around the house. Maggie helped the most. She had a horrible life. She lost everything she loved to a car accident. Her mom, dad, even her 3 year old brother." He said as I remembered her saying. "I know what your going through. I have been there." I sighed and wrapped my arms around Archer.
"What are we going to do." I murmured to him.
"Just break." He said as I sighed. I wanted to kiss him so bad but then I remembered. I grabbed Zeus and ran toward the barn. I ran into Belle as she laughed.
"Oops Skylar! Sorry." She said as I brushed up dust and put Zeus in his stall. I untacked him angry and locked his stall door.
"Don't touch my horse again." I said as she scoffed and I walked to my old room. Everything was still the same. I touched the picture of me and Zach I hid under my pillow. I also touched the picture of Jake giving me a piggy back ride. I smiled. I pulled my knees up to my chest and grabbed my phone. I grabbed the photo file that I had kept hidden. It was all my pictures of Zach. I smiled at the one of him taking a selfie with out teacher.
The next one was when someone snapped a picture of me and him kissing. I scrolled to find the day when we moved the furniture so that we could dance. The last one was my favorite. It was of me, Zach, and Jake playing football. I thought that was it until I scrolled one more.
"Hey is this thing on?" It said as my attention snapped toward it. It was Zach talking into a video.
"Yes silly goof it's on." I said into the video.
"Alright well, i'm Zach. Age 16. And here is my best bud. Jacob Quinn Lee."
"Dude middle name really?" Jake said as I laughed and tears sprung to my eyes.
"Today we make history." They said as he did a cart wheel.
"HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!" Jake said as I stood on the sidelines and Zach came up to me. He kissed me and spun me around.
"Aww get a close up on that." I heard Jake say as I smiled and my phone clicked off. I wiped away some tears.
"You really loved him." I heard Archer say as I shot up to see him leaning on the frame of the door.
"Yea I did." I said wiping off the tears and shoved my phone into my drawer.
"Come on Archer!" I heard Belle's shrill cry as she pulled Archer. I heard Hayley groan as she left.
"Good greatness of the tide. She is annoying." Hayley said as I held back a giggle. I walked into my room and closed the door. I fell asleep.
The next day I woke up early and pulled on jeans and a plaid shirt and ran out the door careful not to wake up Zia. I ran to the barn and gave Zeus a firm pat.
"What do you think your doing?" I saw the lights in my stall door turn on as I froze in place. I turned around to see Archer standing there and I smiled.
"Hey Arch just ya know uh going for a ride?" I said as he scoffed and grabbed his bridle.
"Yea right i'm coming with." He said as I smiled to myself and brushed off Zeus then added a saddle pad. Then the bridle then the saddle it self.
"You almost ready Sky?" He asked as I fumbled with the girth and he chuckled opening the door.
"Here let me help ya there." He said as his hands brushed mine and tingles went up my arm. He tightened the girth and I smiled.
"Thanks." I said pulling Zeus out of his stall as Rain whinnied as I shushed her.
"Easy girl." I giggled and walked Zeus out of the barn and mounted him. I still had water in my saddle pad from yesterday. I clicked my tongue and Zeus started into a slow walk with Rain trailing behind.
"Where does Apollo come into the story?" I asked as he looked off and sighed.
"He is my older brother. Had a accident with horses. Doesn't even come close to them anymore. He ran away a long time ago. I should have gone with him I use to think. Where would I be though?" He said as I nodded.
"Apollo's a jerk." I said as he chuckled.
"He was asking about you." He said looking off as I tilted my head.
"I talk to him every week." He said as I nodded.
"He was asking where that little flame of a girl was. I told him you had a accident and I let you go." He said as sadness reached his voice.
"He screamed at me. Don't you know when you get the girl you don't let her go. You hold onto her." He said.
"You lost me in that department." I said as he nodded.
"It was for the best." He said as Zeus suddenly stopped.
"Excuse me?" I asked him as he stopped Rain.
"For the best? Are you saying i'm to messed up for your little tiny brain? Well forget it Archer." I said nudging Zeus into a run.
"You know I didn't mean it like that!" He screamed after me as I kept on running. All the images the video's came to my mind. All jumbled up. The promises of forever by Zach. All of them.
Each and every night was the same. Scream, cry, and walk around. It never got any better. I woke everyone up. Mrs. Fuller stopped running in. Zia wore headphones to sleep. I screamed and I was alone. I was so alone.
One night it was just horrible. All I hear are car horns and all I see are flashing lights, Zach's voice, and screams. I just scream waking up. I don't stop.
One night I just couldn't do it anymore. I crept down the hallway. I knocked on Archer's door as I heard a jumble then something fall. I saw shaggy haired Archer answer the door in shorts and a t-shirt.
"Skylar." He said rubbing his eyes.
"Are you ok?" He asked as I shook my head and tears gleamed in my eyes.
"Come here." He said as he embraced me.
"It's so bad Archer. I can't breathe. I can't feel anything. I am in so much pain I just want it all to stop." I said as he sat down and I laid down on his chest.
"I know Sky. I know." He said stroking my hair. That night I fell asleep. I slept great. When I woke up I smiled and shook Archer awake.
"Thank you." I said as he laughed.
"No thank you. I haven't slept in 7 years." He said as I smiled.
"You ran away from home when you were 13 right?" I asked as he nodded.
"Thats just.. Horrible." I said as he nodded.
"It's ok now. It's just better." He said as I nodded.
"Go on before people start to ask questions." He said as I giggled and ran out the door up the stairs. I changed quick as Zia groaned waking up. I ran out the door grabbed a biscuit and a apple and ran to the barn. I fed Zeus the apple. I smiled petting his forehead.
"Sleep well boy?" I asked as he snorted and I laughed. I heard a giggling noise behind me. I took Zeus water bucket to fill it up as Belle was kissing Archer. I kept my head down and filled up the bucket with water.
"Oh Archer I called my parents and they said that they are going to buy that horse for me!" She squealed as I turned of the faucet.
"Which one?" He asked.
"Oh you know. That black one. That whats her name rides." She said as I dropped my bucket.
My face went pale as she smirked and reached for Archers hand. Tears formed in my eyes. I ran fast not even bothering to put a halter on Zeus. We ran.
She is going to take him from me. She was going to just steal him. Archer was just going to encourage it. I cried as Zeus skidded to a stop. I slid off as he snorted and helped me stand."I am so sorry b-boy." I said as he snorted.
"Y-your my b-best friend." I said as he pressed his forehead against mine.
"I love you boy." I said as he nickered. I stayed there all afternoon just staring at the sky. I heard hoofbeats as I stood up and Archer was riding Rain.
"Sky!" He said as I groaned. Of course it had started to rain. I tried to mount Zeus as Archer pulled me off.
"Leave me a-alone Archer!" I screamed at him as he grabbed my wrists gently.
"I won't I will never let you go. Ever again." He said as tears started to form.
His lips crashed into mine as I started to pull away. I was ruining his relationship with Belle.
"What about Belle." I said leaning my forehead against his.
"We broke up." He said as I looked at him.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips firmly to his. I smiled as broke free and hugged me.
"Let's go back." I said.
"She can't get him." I said to him as he nodded.
"I can't change fate." He said as we moved into a gallop. When we arrived Belle was smiling and fanning over Dean. Dean was trotting after Zia who was smiling at him. I heard Zeus snort and run at her. I jumped off of Zeus right before he charged at Belle. I ran in front of him and put my hands up.
"Woah!" I screamed as he whinnied and reared.
"Woah woah!" I screamed as Zeus snorted and shook his head.
"Ya!" I screamed as he snorted and trotted to his stall.
"OMG." She screamed and ran over to Archer hugging him firmly.
"I like almost died!" She screeched as I locked Zeus stall and walked out of the barn. I walked to my room and locked the door. I sighed and that was where I stayed for night.
The next morning before anyone was up. I was up screaming. I was crying and screaming. I sighed as no one came. I shivered and laid my head back on my pillow not sleeping. I was in my room until the sun came back up. I sighed and rolled over glaring at the picture of me and Jake and Zack on my drawer. I sighed and put the picture down. I dressed and walked outside. I opened up Zeus stall and sat down staring at him.
"What am I going to do boy?" I asked him as he snorted.
"Well first things first you could give your very best friend a hug." I heard a familiar voice behind me and shot up.
"Omg Jakey!!" I screamed and unlocked the stall door giving him a koala hug.
"Hey Skylar." He said mumbling it into my hair. I smiled as he hugged me closer. I sniffed in his cologne sighed.
"So who is this big boy?" Jake asked pointing toward Zeus.He hugged me closer. I sniffed in his cologne sighed.
"This is Zeus." I said as Jake smiled at him.
"Always had been Zach's favorite god that Percy Jackson freak." He said as I laughed and wrapped my arms around his waist.
"I can't believe your here!" I exclaimed as he laughed.
"It was only what a 4 hour drive. No biggy." He said as Archer was rounding the corner.
"Who is that?" Jake asked as I looked at him and then looked back at Jake.
"No one." I said pulling Jake as he followed after me with confusion in his eyes.
"Well no one is such a short name." He said as he pulled me to a stop.
"Is that Archer?" He asked as I looked down. He walked angry back into the stables.
"Jake no!" I screamed and jumped into his tracks.
"Don't you dare." I said.
"He hurt you." Jake said with anger in his eyes.
"A lot of people have hurt me." I said as he sighed.
"Move over Skylar." He said as I stood my ground. I heard footsteps as Archer walked up to me.
"Sky?" Archer asked.
I stood there as Jake was fuming.
"Yea hi jerk." Jake said as I grabbed his arm.
"Jerk? Excuse me mister tough guy who are you?" He asked Jake.
"Yea my name is Jake. You must be Archer." He said as Archer stood his ground.
"Your Jake?" He asked as Jake nodded.
"Well I would watch your mouth." Archer said.
And that was when Jake punched Archer in the mouth. Hard. Archer swung back as Jake grabbed his fist and crushed it. He was a big guy next to Archer.
"Jake stop!" I screamed as Archer got a good hit on him in the eye then the mouth.
"I said stop!" I screamed as Dean and Alex ran out and got in the middle.
"Hey hey hey break it up!" They both screamed as Dean helped Jake up and he knocked him off and stormed off.
"Great timing Jake." I mumbled running after him. He somehow found his way to my room. It had sparkly letters (thanks to Zia) that said Zia and Skylar's room.
"What was that Jake!" I screamed as he turned to face me.
"You just got here!" I screamed again.
"You deserve better than that dirt bag." He spat at me.
I sighed and ran up to him and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around me.
"He reminds me of Zack." I whispered to him as his eyes widened.
"I get it." He said thinking about how he fought.
"Come on." I said pulling him to my room and found my phone. I pulled up the video of him me and Zack. My favorite one. At the end of it he was crying.
"I have to tell you something Jake.." I said as he looked at me.
"I saw Zack." I said as he sat on the bed.
"When I went to the hospital. I was in a knocked out. And he talked to me. Jake he talked about you. How much he thought of you as a brother. How much he loved the both of us." I said as he put his head in his hands. I sighed brushing back my blonde hair and sitting down next to him.
"Jake. He died. He isn't coming back. No one will replace him. We need to get over it." I said as he nodded.
"I'm trying. No one can see it but i'm trying to hard Skylar." He said as I sighed.
"I know." He said as I picked him back up. I walked him down the halls to his room letting him settle in. Then I walked around the corner by Archer's room. I got a firm yank and I was in Archer's room.
"What the-" I said as he put his hand over my mouth.
"Sky shh." He said as I wriggled free.
"Let me go Archer." I said as he spun me around to face him and my heart stopped.
"I know you feel something Sky." He said as our faces came close to each other.
"I feel hurt. I feel like i'm just your kissing girl." I said as he sighed.
"Skylar.." He said as I sighed.
"I have been broken before Archer. Just leave me alone." I said walking out the door. I walked toward Jake's door and I knocked into him.
"Sorry!" He said helping me to my feet. I sighed and shook my head.
"I'm fine. Let's go for a ride." I said as he nodded and I pulled his hand again. Jake knew how to ride. Always had always will.
"You will be riding Harley." I said as he nodded and tacked up Harley and I tacked up Zeus. I sighed and leaned my forehead against Zeus.
"What am I doing boy." I whispered.
Jake and I rode across a meadow as he smiled. I jumped over logs and small fences. It was great. I smiled and stood up on Zeus's back as he snorted at a slow walk. I sighed and sat back down.
"Let's head back." I said as he nodded and we raced back. When I got there I saw a trailer. I got off of Zeus as Belle walked up snatching the reins from me.
"Hey wait!" I screamed as she tore him away from me.
"You can't have him!" I screamed as she smirked and glared at her father. Jake wrapped his arms around my waist holding me back.
"L-leave him alone!" I struggled as he snorted an whinnied. He reared as she whipped him into the trailer.
"S-stop your h-hurting him!" I tried to scream as Jake turned me around. I cried deeply into his chest. He picked me up bridal and set me in his car.
"Come on were going home." He said as Archer ran up to the car. Jake stood over the door.
"Leave her alone." He said as he tried to look past him.
"Just let me say goodbye!" He said as he pushed firmly on his shoulder.
"I'm not going to say it again." Jake said as Archer sighed.
Of course at the most perfect moment. You could hear the rumble of a motorcycle. And the famous Apollo came striding in with his black Ray Bans. He parked his bike throwing down his helmet.
"Hey little brother." He said as Archer tensed.
"Who is this?" Jake asked as I sighed and sat up.
"I am Apollo. I heard you messed up my brothers face." He said before punching Jake. I ran out and tried to break it up.
"Leave him alone Apollo!" I screamed pounding on his back as he walked away. I sank to my knees beside Jake. He sighed and stood up.
"Get out of here." I said to him as he tried to stop me. I ran to the nearest horse. Which with my luck was Harley. I ran. I stopped at a meadow as I heard hoof beats behind me.
"Leave me alone Archer." I said not looking behind me.
"Not little Archer. Big Apollo." Apollo said as I turned around and groaned.
"Like I was going to say to Archer. Leave. Me. Alone." I said nudging Harley into a slow walk.
"Just stop acting like a brat Skylar." He said as his horse cut me off.
"Hey!" I said as he hopped down yanking me with him.
"What in the world is your problem you little brat! I know you lost someone but seriously the world is sorry for your loss now get over it!" He said as I stared at him.
"I have lost someone dear to me ok? It was my fault. I live every day thinking about her. I. Got. Over. It." He said as I tried to wriggle free. I just stopped and sighed.
"I don't know what to do anymore." I said as he sighed and wrapped me into a hug.
"Sweetie you can't save everyone." He said as I wrapped my arms around him.
"I know." I said.
"Well then get off your butt and go make it right." He said as I sighed and hopped on Harley. We raced back to the barn. I hopped off of Harley as Belle was saying goodbye to Archer. He saw me and walked up toward me.
I ran up his lips crashed against mine. My arms wrapped around his neck as his wrapped around my waist. When we broke free I stared at him and Belle who was fuming mad. She stomped off slamming the trailer hard with her whip. Her car sped off.
"You came back." He whispered.
"You waited." I said as he smiled and kissed me once more on the lips.
"You aren't my side kissing girl. Your my only girl." He said as I sighed.
"I know, Arch." I said. He sighed as I looked over at Jake.
Oh Jake. Jake the kid who waited every day on his porch for Zach to come. Until his last day where I made him drive me to school. Jake, who was to sweet to tell Zach he was being a jerk. Jake who always looked up to Zach. Zach who broke everyone into little pieces. Zach who is gone. Jake who is here. Not brothers. But more than that. They were the bestest of friends. He was all I had left of Zach. Except for Archer of course. No words were explained as I wrapped him into a hug.
"I never understood you Skylar." He murmured into my hair.
"Welcome to my everyday life." I smiled. He sighed and looked at me.
"I promised Zach something." He said as I raised my eyebrow.
"It was when we were at my house. It was late and he was talking crap about something. Then he made me promise him something." He said as I looked at him.
"What did you promise him?" I asked as he looked at me.
"That I would protect you. I would look after you, because Zack he loved you so much. He said if anything ever happened to him. That he wanted me to protect you. Make you live your life after him. Make you move on." He said as he brushed my hair back.
"I told him that I wasn't going to do that because he wasn't going anywhere. Now he's gone." He said as he sighed.
"He's gone Skylar..." He said in a whisper.
"Skylar, i'm breaking down how are you keeping a straight face? I wake up every night screaming. I can't sleep anymore Skylar. I'm scared." He said as I wrapped him into a hug. I hugged him like a parent would a child.
"He loved you Jake. Keep that in your thoughts." I murmured to him as I sighed.
The next couple of days were a blur. Jake fell in love with a horse named Walter. He was a dapple grey pinto. I smiled as Jake would sit in his stall petting him for hours. That made me miss Zeus. I wake up screaming, I would walk to the barn to his stall and sit against to the door with his halter in my hand. I wear my hat every day and my bracelet. Whenever I miss him I rub my bracelet. One night I walked out in his stall to see Jake sitting there with Walter.
"Hey stranger." I said as Walter whinnied now awake and Jake stood up slowly petting Walter.
"What's up." I asked.
"Not much." He said as I sighed and looked at Zeus's stall.
"You miss him huh?" He asked as I sighed.
"That obvious?" I asked as he laughed and nodded.
"I'm glad you like Walter." I said as he laughed and nodded.
"I talked to my parents. They said if he was for sale that I could either stay here for a bit or bring him home." He said as I grinned.
"That's great Jake!" I said as he laughed.
"I made a decision." He said as I looked at him.
"You're doing well here so, I thought that I would go back home. Start again fresh. And, whenever you get back I want to have my life cleaned up. So that if you need it you can jump right in." He said as I smiled and wrapped my arms around him.
"That's great." I said.
"I leave tomorrow though." He said as I sighed.
"I'm happy for you. I will just miss you though." I said as he sighed and nodded.
"Thank you Skylar." He said.
That morning I helped him load up Walter. Walter was excited to go home with Jake. Jake was happy to go home. His mom and dad smiled as he ran up and hugged his mother. She smiled and tears glistened in her eyes.
"You've changed in the last couple of days." She said moving his hair out of his face as he smiled.
"That's a good thing." He said as he glanced back at me.
"Come here Skylar." He said as I laughed and wrapped my arms around him.
"I'm gonna miss you kiddo." He said as I nodded.
"Take care of yourself." I said as he nodded back. Then he got in the back of his parents truck. Drove away, not looking back. I smiled as I felt arms surround me as I turned to face Archer.
"You ok?" He asked as I nodded.
"It's just hard to watch him go." I said as he nodded.
"I know Sky." He said. I sighed and watched his car drive down the road. I just thought about Zeus. How much I missed him. I sighed and walked toward the barn looking around and saw Harley. He looked bored not being ridden in a couple of days.
"Hey boy." I murmured grabbing his halter and his lead rope. I put it over his muzzle and made a reins with his lead rope. I hopped on his warm back as we clopped down the barn. We took off at a trot.
"Good boy." I said encouraging him as Archer was coming up beside me on Rain. We stopped as Rain pinned her ears back. Harley tried to move closer to her and she bit him and kicked him away.
"Rain! Stop it!" Archer said pulling on her mane until she snorted and pranced on her feet.
"What's up with her?" I ask
"She just misses Zeus." He said as I nodded and hopped off of Harley.
"I do too girl." I said petting her muzzle. Archer sighed and wrapped his arms around me. I smiled and sniffed in his barn smell.
"I don't ever want to go back..." I whispered as he sighed.
"You don't have to. But you know what? If we don't go back then we let it win." He said as I sighed.
"Your right." I murmured as he smiled and kissed the top of my head.
"I'll ride Rain." I said as he groaned.
"Don't steal my baby girl." He said as I giggled and swung my leg over the barrel of her stomach. She snorted as I petted her mane.
"Good girl." I murmured as she pawed the ground and ran fast. I laughed and held on tight as we came into view of the barn. Rain didn't stop there as she ran until we came to the front of the barn where people come to unload. Someone was there and honked the horn which sent Rain crazy and bucked me off. I hit the ground putting my hands up to protect my head. I coughed and stood up.
"Rain!" I said as she snorted and put her head down.
"Sky!" I heard Archer scream as he came running out to the front. I heard a car door slam and someone run out of the car.
"Sorry dearie I didn't see you there." I heard a British accent say as I turned around to see a handsome boy standing in front of me. He was tall with brown hair that was wild and scruffy not full beard.
"You could have killed her." Archer said as I put my hand against his chest.
"It was my fault. I should have stopped Rain." I said as the boy grinned at me.
"You should be more careful." He said grabbing a bag out of the back of his car.
"Sorry." I said as he smiled again at me.
"It's fine love." He said.
"My name's Skylar." I said I held out my hand.
"Leo." He said shaking my hand as Archer stood his ground.
"My name is Archer." He said as I glared at him.
"Nice to meet you Archer." Leo said as he made his way into the barn.
"I don't like that guy." Archer mumbled as I laughed.
"Is someone jealous?" I asked as he glared at me.
"What n-no i'm no jealous what would make you think that?" He asked as I laughed.
"Jealousy does not look good on you." I said tapping his nose then walked back to Rain. I led her into her stall as I smiled and patted her nose.
"It ok girl." I said.
"I'm gonna head up." I said to Archer as he pulled me close and smiled.
"Okay." He said as I smiled and pulled away and walked to my room. I knocked on the door not really knowing why I knocked. I walked into the room to see Zia on the floor in a little ball. I sighed and slid down next to her.
"He's an idiot." She said with a sniffle.
"Sounds like every guy in the universe." I said as she sighed.
"I'm pathetic." She said.
"Nope." I said as she brought her eyes to meet mine.
"Your normal. Your nice, pretty, smart. Any guy would be a idiot to not see that." I said as she started crying again.
"Thats the thing none of them can see that." She said as I hugged her.
"It's ok." I said to her.
"God all I am doing is crying. You lost your horse and boy friend. You have more on your plate than girl boy drama." She said pulling away.
"Zia stop. I would be honored to be your older sister. So go ahead cry. I won't mind. In fact I will get Maggie to come over with ice cream and movies." I said grabbing my phone and punching in Maggie's number.
"Heyo this is Maggie." I heard her say as I smiled.
"We got a girl problem." I said.
"Uh oh." She said.
"Bring movies and ice cream." I said then hung up.
"You don't have to do this." Zia said pulling on one of her curls.
"Oh please." I said plopping down next to her.
"It's my honor. I have never had a little sister." I said hugging her. I changed into some pj's and sat down next to her. I heard a knock and ran to the door.
"Hey Mags." I said as she smiled balancing movies and ice cream in her hand.
"Gith the moftie." Maggie said her mouth full of Gone With The Wind.
"Yes Rhett and Scarlett action in the house." I said grabbing the movie and the cookies and cream ice cream and cookie dough.
"Did you bring spoons?" I asked.
"Uh..." She said as I laughed.
"I got it." I said grabbing my sweatshirt not really noticing which one.
"Don't you dare start Gone With The Wind without me." I said as Zia laughed."Sure thing!" They both shouted as I ran down the hall giggling. I turned the car and slammed into Leo. I fell on top of him awkwardly.
"Uh erm." I said laughing.
"Why hello there love." He said as I smiled.
"Hi?" I said trying to stand up. He smiled back and stood up helping me up with him.
"What is a lovely girl like your self doing out this late?" He asked.
"Spoons, boy troubles." I said as he smiled.
"Oh that lad you were with. Whats his name Arthur?" He asked as I laughed.
"It's Archer." I said brushing back a strand of blonde hair.
"And no it's not him." I said smiling.
"Well may I accompany you to the cafeteria?" He asked as I smiled.
"That would be lovely." I said linking arms with him.
"So how long have you lived in america?" I asked him.
"About 2 years." He said.
"Well late welcome." I said as he smiled and looked down.
"Why are you here." I asked him as he sighed.
"Let just say love, my dad loved drinks more than me. Another thing he loved was driving drunk. Two things you should never do." He said giving me a small smile then I saw it fade.
"Oh.." I said as he sighed.
"My boy friend got shot if it makes you feel any better?" I said as he looked at me.
"Im sorry." He said.
"It wasn't your fault that sick people live in this world." I said.
"That's true." He whispered.
"Lets forget that now." I said walking into the barn now.
"Do you like horses?" I asked as he smiled.
"Actually, I love them." He said walking up to Rain and petted her gently. She snorted and nuzzled his hand.
"She loves you." I said smiling.
"It looks like she is already taken though." He said pulling away.
"We should keep going." I said as he nodded.
"Yes love we should." He said. We had finally made it to the cafeteria. I smiled and grabbed a bunch of spoons.
"So, which country is better. London or America?" I asked as he balanced a spoon on his finger. Or well tried.
"Hmm. I love the little coffee that are cold with whip cream." He said as I laughed.
"Starbucks frappuccino?" I said as he laughed.
"Yes. Those are a lovely treat. I do miss London though." He said.
"I know how you feel. I miss my home." I said.
"So where is home for you?" He asked.
"Wyoming." I said."Well Dayton Wyoming." I said.
"Ah. Little town girl." He said.
"Yea that is until we moved. To California..." I said.
"Did you want to move?" He asked as we headed back to my room.
"No.." I said.
"So.." He said.
"Ugh i'm tired." I said.
"Do you want a what you americans call 'A Piggy Back Ride'?" He asked as I laughed.
"Are you serious?" I asked.
"Yes this is a serious piggy back." He said.
"Do you watch The Walking Dead to?" I asked as he laughed.
"Guilty. But another thing I love about America. Great tv shows." He said as I smiled and hopped on his back.
"Hey Leo?" I asked.
"Yes Love?"
"Thanks." I said.
"For?" He asked.
"Coming with me." I said hugging him tightly.
"Anytime love." He said smiling as we moved forward past the barn into the hallways. I hopped off of his back.
"Lets go for a ride tomorrow." I said as he nodded.
"Its a date." He said as I laughed.
"Hey. You can't forget my Archer." I said.
"A friendly date." He said putting his hands up which caused me to laugh.
"Thank you again." I said as he smiled.
"Your welcome, love." He said as I hugged him. He hugged me back then I pulled away and opened up the door. I waved then walked in.
"I brought spoons." I said as Maggie gave me a look.
"What?" I asked.
"Is that the only thing you brought?" She asked.
"Yes..." I said.
"Hm so the cute British dude outside was just a accessories." She said.
"Oh hush." I said throwing a pillow at her and she giggled.
"Who was he anyways?" Zia asked.
"Leo." I said smiling.
"Does Archer know about Leooo." Maggie said as her and Zia laughed.
"Yes Leo almost ran me and Rain over today." I said as she laughed.
"Oooh he's dangerous as well." Zia said.
"Oh hush!" I said plopping down next a tub of cookie dough ice cream. I opened it up and took my first spoon full.
"This is delicious!" I said as Maggie laughed.
"Sure is." She said.
After the movie which lasted 3 hours Maggie just decided to crash in our place for the night. I tossed her some pillows as she fell asleep on the floor. I laughed and shifted around in my bed.
"Hey Skylar..?" I heard Zia whisper.
"Yes?" I asked.
"Thank you again..." She said as I smiled.
"Anytime." I said then sleep over came me.
The next morning I woke up with someone sitting on my bed. I smiled and rolled over as I heard my name.
"Skylar, wake up love." I heard a British accent. I smiled and sat up opening my eyes. I almost screamed as I felt a warm hand cover my mouth. He put a finger up against his lips to say hush.
"What in the world Leo." I whispered at him.
"It's 12:00. Maggie's gone, Zia is asleep." He said giving me a update.
"Oh ok. Wait why are you waking me up..." I said.
"Maggie asked me to. She said she wanted you to get up and exercise Rain and maybe Harley." He said.
"What about Archer." I said.
"He is gone for today, he had to go pick up some horses." He said as I stood up and stretched. He smiled and looked at me.
"What?" I asked grabbing for a pair of jeans and a random t-shirt.
"Your gorgeous." He said as I laughed.
"Thanks but I stink and smell like ice cream and morning breath." I said walking into the bathroom. I dressed quickly adding make up and lip gloss on. I ran a brush through my hair and wrote up a note for Zia.
"Ready?" I asked pulling on boots as he nodded.
"Yep." He said.
"Let's go." I said running out the door.
"So." He said catching up with me.
"You hungry?" He asked.
"Um of course." I said.
"You tired?" He asked.
"Yes." I groaned and he smiled.
"Get on." He said as I smiled and hopped on his back. I hugged him tightly taking in his scent. He smelled good surprisingly. We walked into the cafeteria finally. I sniffed in a smell of muffins and smiled hopping off of Leo's back and racing toward the kitchen. I grabbed 2 muffins for me and 2 muffins for Leo and ran out again.
"What did you get?" He asked.
"Blueberry. You got chocolate though." I said handing him his share.
"Thank you love." He said biting into it.
I raced back to the barn. I skidded to a stop seeing a truck that had a rodeo horse sticker on the back. I tilted my head to catch a glimpse of a cowboy hat as it headed down the dirt road.
"What the.." I started as Leo caught up to me.
"Your in the wrong sport love." He said wheezing.
"No your just out of shape." I said laughing.
"Must be all those little caffeine drinks." He said as I laughed.
"I need to ask Zia something." I said running toward the rooms.
"And here we go again with the running." I heard him said as I reached the front door and tore it open.
"OW!" I heard as I slammed the door and stopped.
"Ooh.. Sorry Leo?" I said turning around to see him rubbing his nose.
"Jesus christ love you pack a real punch." He said as I laughed and ran over and hugged him.
"Sorry." I said.
"It's ok love." He said as I giggled and ran down the hallway. I noticed Archers door was open and ran inside.
"Hey Arch you in here?" I asked looking around. Hm where is he. I had noticed his drawers were open. No no no no no Archer wouldn't leave. No stop ok just go find Zia Skylar.
"Zia?" I asked as I saw her sitting on her bed with a sad look on her face. She was reading a letter.
"Skylar." She got up and hugged me.
"Ahem." I heard Leo behind me.
"Oh Zia this is Leo." I said as Zia ignored him and shoved a letter in my face.
"I better go.." She said running out the door. Well ok then. I opened the letter.
Dear Skylar,
I am so sorry to be writing this on a piece of paper rushing. God i'm a idiot. I get the girl and all I do is run. I can't even say goodbye to you because this is very likely that this is the last time I will ever see you again. I have gotten news that my father is out of prison. He hates me and is looking for both me and Apollo. My brother needs me and so does my family. So over note, I am going to break up with you. Because well I don't want you to wait for me. I love you Sky. Never forget that. I left you a surprise in the trailer. Open with caution. Take care of Rain for me. Please. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Yet I still have to go. I love you so that is why I have to let you go. I don't want you to get hurt. But, when and if I can come back I will. I will run back.
Love, Archer
I stared at the note and fell on the floor. I hugged my knees and stared at the tv.
"Oh love." I heard Leo say and fall down next to me. I turned to face him burying my head into his shirt.
"Shh its ok love. It's ok." He said as silent tears streamed down my face.
"I don't get it. I loose everyone." I said facing him.
"You haven't lost me love. You never will." He said as I smiled.
"Your right." I said.
"Come on there is something in the trailer." I said standing up and pulling him up with me again.
"More running?" He said as I smiled.
"Of course." I said racing off as he kept his pace with me. This time he got out of the way before the door hit him. I heard banging in the trailer. Did he give me a elephant? I opened up the trailer to see a slender black horse with familiar markings.
"ZEUS!!!" I screamed wrapping my arms around him. He whinnied as I laughed and more tears of joy streamed down my face.
"God you horse." I said as he faced me and I leaned my forehead against his.
"Who is this big fellow." I heard Leo say behind me. I wiped off the tears.
"This is Zeus. This horse is the reason I am standing her today. If he didn't get me through my hard time I wouldn't be here." I said as he snorted and stretched out his head so that Leo could lean his hand against his head.
"He is a gentle horse." He said.
"Not always." I said patting Zeus.
"Zeus load off." I said as he snorted and pranced off of the trailer. When he got out of the trailer I saw how skinny he was. Bone was showing and parts of his hoof looked like they had been burned.
"What did she do to you boy." I whispered to him. I heard Rain freak out hearing him.
"Leo go get Rain she is the paint. Just open the door and stand back." I said laughing as he went off running. I heard the pounding of hooves. Zeus ran toward her and reared as she snorted and reared as well. She circled him and nudged him gently. He snorted and pressed his forehead against her.
"Weird." Leo said joining me again.
"No amazing." I said.
"How?" He asked.
"Love finds a way." I said smiling at them as Zeus came back to join me again.
"Hey boy." I said petting his head.
"Your going to be just fine. You will be back to the old Zeus in no time." I said.
"Lets get him inside." I said. Leo reached out to take Zeus as Zeus snorted and bit him pinning his ears back.
"HEY!" I screeched popping him on the muzzle.
"Jesus Christ." I heard Leo say.
"God are you ok?" I said as he let go of his hand and I saw blood.
"No i'm fine it's my fault. I moved to fast." He said laughing and clutched his hand.
"No your not ok there's blood." I said as he pulled away.
"I'm fine. Put away Zeus." He said as I sighed.
"Stay here." I said grabbing Zeus and Rain and putting them in stalls next to each other. I ran back to Leo.;
"Come on lets go get that cleaned up." I said as he followed me inside.
"Thanks love." He said as I sat down and he sat down across from me. I set down the medical supplies that I was using. I grabbed some bottle that stung.
"This is going to hurt." I said spreading over his wound as he clenched his jaw. I laughed slightly.
"I'm sorry love do you like to see pain?" He asked laughing as I shoved his shoulder lightly.
"That hurt!" I said wrapping up his hand.
"Well i'm sorry." He said as I laughed.
"Apology accepted." I said.
"Hey I mean in kindergarten terms we are practically married. You are touching my hand." He said as I laughed and shoved him again.
"Jerk." I said standing up as he followed me.
"I need to call someone." I said walking up to the phone in the room we were in.
"Ok love." He said sitting back down as I punched in numbers.
"Hello? Mom?" I asked into the phone.
"Skylar..." I heard a voice on the other end. It was my mother.
"Hi mom." I said smiling and cradling the phone.
"Oh honey.. Is everything ok?" She asked.
"Yea everything is fine. Everything is perfect." I said as a silent tear rolled down my face.
"Mommy.... Can I come home for a day or two?" I asked.
"Yes sweetie. Of course you can." She said.
"Okay I will be there this weekend." I said.
"Alright sweetie. I love you." She said.
"I love you to mom.Bye." I said.
"Bye sweetie." She said as I hung up.
"Leo?" I asked as he looked at me.
"Yes Love?" He asked.
"Would you like to come home with me for the weekend." I said.
"I already get to meet your parents?" He asked as I laughed.
"It would be my honor." He finally said standing up. I ran up to him and wrapped my arms around him.
"Thank you, you darn British dude." I said.
"Well that was racist." He said as I laughed.
After that I was packing and knowing I was going to miss Zeus. Every night I would take my dinner and eat it with Zeus. I would always bring him a apple. Always. After a while, Leo found his way there and brought a apple for Rain. They had become very good friends.
"So should I start packing tonight?" He asked as I nodded.
"Would you give me a ride to my house?" I asked as he nodded.
"Of course love." He said standing up and brushing off the crumbs.
"Till tomorrow dearie." He said to Rain as she snorted and he laughed.
"Good night Leo." I said as he smiled.
"Good night love." He said.
"Random question before we depart." I said smiling at him.
"Anything love." He said.
"Have you ever flown?" I asked.
"I transported through time to get here to America Skylar." He said as I blushed. I had forgotten.
"Sorry I forgot." I said.
"It's fine. Why do you ask?" He said.
"Well Colorado is far away from California. I drove here but I think we should fly back." I said.
"Sounds lovely." He said walking back to the room. I randomly stopped and wrapped my arms around him. Burying my face into his shirt. He wrapped his arms around me on instinct.
"Thanks again." I said as we stopped at his door.
"Anytime love. Are you ready for tomorrow?" He asked.
"Well, it is a new day." I said.
"Yes it sure is." He said as I smiled and ran inside. Tomorrow I left to go home. With Leo. Oh boy what a fun weekend this will be.
The next morning was all in a blur. I ran outside forgetting to tell Maggie where I was going for the weekend. I tore into the barn and through the barn living room thing.
"Maggie!" I said loudly as she woke with a startle from the couch.
"What in the world." She said yawning.
"Im a idiot. I forgot to tell you I'm leaving today." I said.
"Oh? Are you coming back?" She asked.
"Of course." I said.
"Hey Sky?" She asked
"Yes?"
"Stay a week. You deserve it. If you want I can drive Zeus down there for you." She said as I smiled.
"That would be awesome!" I said hugging her.
"No problem." She said.
"Hey could you maybe bring Rain to?" I asked.
"Um why? Archer is gone." She said.
"Oh erm Leo is coming.." I said as her eyes widened.
"What aren't you telling me..." She said.
"I am telling you everything." I swore.
"If I find out I know less than him I will SCREAM!" She laughed and threw a pillow at my head.
"Thank you again. Now I have to grab my bag because I think Leo is honking the horn! Bye thanks I will txt you the address. Love ya bye!" I said running to my room grabbing my purse and suitcase. I ran out the door and down the pathway. Past the barn out to the parking area.
"Ready to go love?" Leo asked.
"Of course." I said loading my luggage in the back of his car.
"Lets get going then." He said as I hopped in the front seat and him in the driver seat. I smiled pulling my knees to my chest as his old car pulled out of the barn way.
"We have a 30 minute drive to the airport." I informed him.
"Lovely." He said turning.
"Sure is." I said laughing. We drove talking about stupid things the whole way there. It was awesome. Before we got there I called my mom.
"Hey mom." I said as she answered the phone.
"Hey honey. Are you driving or flying?" She asked.
"I am flying." I said.
"Oh well my and your father will pick you up at the airport." She said.
"Hey is dad around?" I asked.
"Yes do you want to speak with him?" She asked.
"I would love to speak to him." I said as I heard her say hold on and pass of the phone.
"Hey love bug." I heard my dad say as a smile crept on my face.
"Hi daddy." I said.
"Whats up?" He asked.
"Nothing much i'm just on my way to the airport. Wait dad we are pulling in now I will call you when we land." I said as Leo pulled into a parking spot.
"Ok be safe." He said.
"I will I love you dad." I said.
"I love you to." He added and then hung up the phone.
"You ready Leo?" I asked getting out of the car.
"As ready as I will ever be." He said grabbing his bag and mine. I tried grabbing my bag from him and he laughed.
"No way is a lady going to carry her bag. My mother would skin me alive." Leo added.
"Ugh fine." I said walking behind him carrying my old leather messenger bag. I searched my bag for gum. I sighed a breath of relief finally finding it. I offered Leo a piece and he smiled and popped it into his mouth.
"Thanks love." he said as I smiled.
"Don't mention it." I said as we moved forward.
"Are you excited?: I asked
"Of course. I just love to be in a metal bird." He said as I laughed.
"Its like a adventure." I said.
"Yes a adventure in a metal bird." He said as we came up to the lady who would check our bags. Our bags were free. I love South West. I linked arms with Leo as we walked into the airport. It was large. Very large. My grip tightened on his arm as he smiled looking at me.
"Your going to be fine. I got you love." He whispered to me as I nodded. We walked into the security. We made it past there finally as we came up to a Chick-Fil-A and he smiled and moved toward that.
"Guys and their stomach's." I said to him as he laughed.
"Yes. We love to eat." He said as I laughed and we got in line.
"What do you want love?" He asked me.
"A Dr. Pepper and chicken mini's." I said.
"Sounds lovely." He said pulling out his wallet.
"No no no let me get this!" I said as he laughed.
"Love, you have done enough. I got this." He said as I sighed. I wasn't going to win this fight. The lady in front of us smiled and turned around to face us.
"You two are the perfect couple. We need more people like you in this earth." She said as I blushed.
"Thank you." Is all I said. Me and Leo didn't talk until we ordered. I checked my watch.
"We have about 10 minutes until we board." I said pulling him away from taking a big bite into his chicken sandwich.
"Hey!" He said following me. I laughed and pulled him spinning in a circle.
"You dance like your a disney princess." He said as I laughed.
" I am going to take that as a compliment." I said as we came upon out gate. I took a big sip of my Dr. Pepper as they boarded early. As we got onto the small plane I noticed something nice. It was a 2 person sitting plane. I smiled not having to sit by a random smelly dude who would be eating a messy sloppy joe.
"How is here, love?" He said as I nodded.
"Great now sit!" I said pushing him down as he sighed.
"Impatient little brat." He said as I gasped and shoved him.
"Owe!" He said rubbing his shoulder.
"Oh drama queen." I said laughing and sat down next to him. I also had noticed that they had those little tv things. The pilot came over the intercom thing.
"Ladies and gentlemen please take your seats. We will be leaving early today. The skies are clear as we make our way into California. Please fasten your seat belts before take off and thank you for choosing to fly with us." He said as I buckled up and saw Leo having some troubles with his. I giggled and showed him as he blushed.
"What movie do you wanna watch?" I asked as I scrolled through looking at them.
"Well I do love Jurassic Park." He said as we stopped at that one.
"I have never seen it." I said as he looked at me.
"What?" I asked as he shook his head.
"We are watching it. Turn it on now." He said as I put up my hands.
"Fine fine." I said clicking on it as it started. It leaned my head against his shoulder as he smiled and wrapped his arm around me. The plane took off and I was so into this movie.
At the middle of the movie I was clutching onto Leo.
"Don't go in there kid!" I whispered as Leo laughed. The raptor came out and was chomping at the kid.
"AHH!" I screeched and clutched onto Leo. He laughed and wrapped his arms around me.
"It;s okay love, I got you." Leo said. The lady next to us laughed and smiled at me.
"You two cute together." The lady said trying to speak english.
"Thanks." I said as Leo looked at me. I blushed and went back to the movie. He smiled and tightened his grip on me.
"Weirdo." I said as he laughed and kissed my head.
"Whatever you say, love." He said.
Soon we landed in California and saw my parents waiting for us.
"Skylar!" They said in unison as I ran up to meet them. we embraced and pulled away. I saw my mother tear up as I laughed and hugged her again.
"Don't cry mom." I said as she smiled and wiped away her tears.
"Sorry sweetie you have just grown different in the past few months." She chocked out.
"Now who is this?" My father asked.
"Dad,mom, this is my friend, Leo." I said as Leo shook my fathers hand.
"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Anderson." Leo said.
"Well then lets get your luggage and head home." My father said as I nodded and grabbed Leo running to the luggage carousel.
"Sorry he is just surprised." I said to Leo.
"Just awkward." He said.
"He doesn't like any of my guy friends except for Jake and well I guess Zach." I said as the luggage carousel started.
"Do you see your bag?" I asked as Leo shook his head.
"Wait I see mine!" I said making a mad grab for my bag then tripping on Leo.
"I got you, love." He said laughing and I smirked and shook him off.
"Why thank you." I said running back to get my bag.
"Gotcha!" I said holding my prize.
"Nice one." I heard a familiar voice say as I turned around and saw that familiar smile. That familiar hair. That familiar.....smell. I squealed and ran up to Jake pouncing on him.
"Jakey!" I screamed as my koala hug tightened.
"Ahh Skylar, how I missed these hugs." He said as I laughed. I noticed behind him there was a cute girl. I smiled and moved onto her.
"Hi!" I said putting out my hand.
"Um hello Jake's old girlfriend. I'm Cassie." She said grabbing my hand and giving me a competitive smile. Leo behind me was laughing his head off.
"I'm Jake's best friends old girlfriend." I said as her face turned as red as a cherry. I saw Jake out of the corner of his eye slap his forehead.
"I-I'm so s-sorry." She said going back to her stutter. I could tell she was a nervous type.
"Don't worry about it." I said smiling as she smiled back and hid her straight brown hair.
"Hello there i'm Leo, Skylar's friend from horse camp." He said as Jake smiled and shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you there Leo, i'm Jake." Jake said.
"So i've heard." Leo said starting a conversation with Jake. I laughed and moved closer to Cassie.
"I remember you." I said as she looked at me shocked.
"Y-you do?" She asked as I smiled.
"Yes. You are the girl who works at the family owned gas station." I said as her face softened.
"I-I use to w-work there." She said.
"You always had a smile on your face." I said as she smiled at me.
"T-thanks." She stuttered.
"Nah don't mention it. Just make me a deal." I said.
"Anything." She said.
"Take care of Jake for me. He needs someone like you." I said as she smiled.
"I will." She said as I put my arm around her and Leo laughed. He glanced back at me as we got into my parents old van.
"I'm going to see you later Skylar. Me and Cassie are going out for dinner." Jake said putting his arm around Cassie. She blushed like a crazy person. I smiled as Leo put his arm around me.
"What is your favorite restaurant here." Leo asked me.
"She loves Moes." Jake said as I laughed.
"Yes Moes. Ah how I have missed Moes." I said as my mother smiled.
"How about you and Leo go out for Moes tonight and tomorrow we can steal you." She said.
"Really mom?" I asked.
"Of course this is your time. Your young go out and have fun." She said.
"Thank you mom." I said hugging her as she laughed.
"Don't mention it sweetie." She said as Leo and I hopped into the back seat as I giggled uncontrollably.
"Are you guys ready to go home?" My mom asked as I nodded my head fast.
"Lets get going." My father said pulling out of the airport. I glanced out the window as we passed the little field where I use to run around as a little kid. I smiled glancing around remembering what it felt like when I ran across the meadow. The grass slapping against my legs as I felt as i was flying. Leo saw me staring.
"Do you miss it here?" He asked as I laughed and nodded.
"I miss everything." I said as we then passed a old ice cream shop.
"UNCLE JOES ICE CREAM!" I screamed pointing out the window as Leo glanced around.
"Mmm it looks good." He said. I smiled remembering going there with Zach. He would get a rocky road and I would get cookie dough. We drove a little more until we came upon my little house. We lived in small little house in the middle of no where.
"Its home." I mumbled as my father pulled into a driveway. He stopped the car as I ran out. I looked around smiling.
"Are you happy love?" Leo said coming up behind me.
"Very. I missed home so much I had no idea how much I did miss it here." I said.
"Lets get your bags inside." Leo said opening up the back of the van.
"I haven't changed anything in you room since you have left." My mother babbled as we walked through the doors.
"I thought you would want to maybe change the curtains but I didn't touch them so we could go shopping for new one's if you want. Or we could change your room color. Or we could just keep it the way it is." My mother babbled on as I ran up the stairs and tore open my door. I smiled seeing a old stuffed animal. I picked it up and hugged it close to my chest. Leo smiled from the doorway.
"You don't look like you are the stuffed animal kind." He joked. He came sand sat down next to me on the bed.
"It's so good to be home." I said laying against my pillow. Later that night, Leo took me out for dinner at Moes. I put on a cute blouse and strappy sandals. Leo came out in a nice dress shirt and khaki shorts. He smiled seeing me.
"You look gorgeous love." He said as I blushed and my mother smiled.
"Can I take a picture of you two?" She asked as I laughed.
"Mom we are just friends. We aren't dating." I said as she smiled and took a picture anyways.
"Bye mom." She said. We walked outside and rounded the corner to see a old Subaru. I smiled and laughed.
"They still kept my old car!" I said as I looked through the window. I opened the garage and took my keys off of the hook. I tossed the keys to Leo who hopped in the front and pushed in the key. He turned the key and the old engine jumped into action.
"Cool car." Leo said as I smiled.
"Sure is." I said as we pulled out of my driveway and drove to the nearest gas station. I gave Leo my gas card and he nodded and filled up the tank. When he was done he hopped in the car and drove off. We arrived at Moes. I ordered a cheese quesadilla. He ordered the same and we sat down and ate.
"So do you like this place?" I asked him as he smiled.
"It is quite lovely." He said as I giggled. We talked about random stuff the rest of the night. On the way home we stopped and got ice cream at Uncle Joe's Ice Cream. When there I saw one of my old friend.
"Oh my gosh it's that girl who's boyfriend died." She whispered hoping I didn't hear. My blood froze as we stood in line. Leo looked at me and saw the horror on my face.
"I heard that she shoved him in front of her so that he would get killed not her." The other girl said.
"I heard that she went to a mental hospital. She ran away. She must be a nut case." Another said.
I started having trouble breathing. Leo grabbed my hand and squeezed and I instantly felt a anchor lift from my chest. I could breathe normally.
"It's okay love just breathe." He murmured to me. I just spun on my heels.
"I can hear you okay? I am not a nut case. I am also not a heartless little brat like you four. Have some respect okay?" I said as the look of horror struck their faces.
"Omg." One of the girls said. I just sighed and tore away from Leo's hand and ran.
"Skylar!" He screamed running after me. My feet hit the pavement and I just ran faster. I stopped breathing hard and tore off my shoes and ran faster. I just ran until I found my self at the grave of Zach. I dropped to my knees gasping for breath. I heard Leo behind me coming up as he slowed down and suddenly realized it was his grave.
"I'm so sorry Zach." I whispered to his grave. For the first time since Zeus left I cried. For the first time I never knew until that moment how bad it could hurt to lose something you never really had. I had lost Archer.
"Skylar it's time to go home." He whispered to me as I spun around.
"I n-need to find A-Archer." I stuttered.
"I know love it's okay let's just go home." He said as I shivered. He wrapped his jacket around me and picked my up bridal style.
"Thanks Leo. Your a great friend." I murmured to him wrapping my hands around his neck.
"You have no idea." He muttered as I drifted off to sleep. The next thing that I know is that it's morning and Leo has fallen asleep in the chair in my room. My mom knocked on the door softly and walked in.
"Sweetie I made-," She started as I shook my head and put a finger to my mouth pointing at him. She chuckled lightly and came over to sit on my bed. Her blonde hair matching mine was up in a pony tail.
"I made breakfast and that nice girl named Maggie dropped off two horses at the local barn." She whispered as I smiled. I ran up to Leo and shook him.
"Zeus and Rain are here!" I said as he jumped awake.
"Huh?" He asked rubbing his eyes.
"Zeus and Rain!" I squealed as he groaned.
"Could you tone it down a notch i'm sleepy love." He said as I giggled. I ran down stairs grabbing the bacon and toast and ran back up stairs.
"Eat it fast cowboy we're going riding." I said grabbing jeans and a t-shirt and running to the bathroom. I put my hair up in a messy bun and ran out.
"You ready Leo?" I asked as he shook his hair. He was still in the same jeans and shirt he was wearing last night.
"Are you going to change?" I asked him as he shook his head.
"Alright then let's go!" I said pulling his arm. I grabbed two apples before running out the door.
"Bye mom bye dad me and Leo should be back this afternoon." I said as my dad looked up from his morning paper and smiled.
"You kids be safe." He said as I laughed.
"We will bye!" I said shutting the door behind me and unlocked the car door.
"Since when are you a morning person?" Leo asked as I smiled.
"Since I got to see my baby boy." I said starting up my car and pulling out of my driveway.
"Oh thanks love." He said as I pushed him gently.
We drove fast but in the speed limit to the nearest barn. We pulled in within 15 minutes. The barn was where I had my eighth birthday party. I wanted to be a cowgirl until I smelled the manure and screamed. I pulled into a parking space and hopped out. I saw a trailer that had a heartlake sticker on the back and I smiled slamming my car door.
"Maggie!" I squealed seeing the brunette she laughed and hugged me tightly.
"Goodness you guys are a long haul. Oh hey Leo!" She said as Leo got out of the car and smiled.
"Hello Maggie." He said.
"Do you know how hard it is to get horses here all the way from California?" She asked.
"Uh no I actually do not know how hard it is." I said as she laughed.
"It's really hard." She said.
"Thanks." I said smiling.
"Anything. I gotta get back on the road." She said.
"If you see Archer give him this." I said handing her my number scrawled on a scrap of paper.
"I will. I will tell him to call you too." She said as I nodded and hugged her tightly.
"Thank you." I said smiling as Leo just looked at me. I met his glance and looked away fast. He sighed as Maggie was moving toward her truck.
"Thanks again Mags. For everything." I said.
"Don't mention it." She said as I hugged her one last time then she tore off in her truck. I looked at Leo.
"What?" I asked as he glared.
"You don't want to talk about last night." He said as my eyes met the ground.
"No." I said walking away.
"You can't hide from it." He said.
"Well i'm gonna try." I said walking faster. I found Zeus and smiled petting him gently.
"I have you. That's all I need." I said smiling and petting him more.

~Epilogue~
I guess you could say I found refuge in my self. I never did see Archer again. Me and Leo dated once. It didn't work out to well. He left back to London. I met a guy named Spencer. He is amazing. He works with horses. I look after Rain and Zeus. Zeus doesn't exactly love Spencer but he is growing to love him. Spencer proposed to me after our college years spend in Wyoming State. We will be married in the spring on our farm in Jackson Hole Wyoming. With our 30 horses. We have about 500 acres. We plan to start a riding barn. We plan to create a refuge. Or a camp. We have a cute little house on the edge of the property. It was my grandfathers land that he gave to me before he passed. We are happy. I hope Archer is as well. What if I meet Archer again you may ask? Well, he left me once. I'm not taking him back. I have moved on and found refuge in my self. Jake married Cassie. They have a little girl named Taylor. She is adorable. Not even a year old. I am very very happy. I hope you are too Archer. To refuge.